STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Explorers"
#40513-468
Story by
Hilary Bader
Teleplay by
Rene Echevarria
Directed by
Cliff Bole
THE WRITING CREDITS MAY NOT BE FINAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED
FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES WITHOUT FIRST CHECKING
WITH THE TELEVISION LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
Copyright 1995 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights
Reserved. This script is not for publication or
reproduction. No one is authorized to dispose of same. If
lost or destroyed, please notify the Script Department.
Return to Script Department FINAL DRAFT
PARAMOUNT PICTURES CORPORATION
February 27, 1995
STAR TREK: DS9 - "Explorers" 03/07/95 - CAST
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Explorers"
CAST
SISKO LEETA
KIRA ELIZABETH
ODO GUL DUKAT
BASHIR
DAX
O'BRIEN
QUARK
COMPUTER VOICE
JAKE
MORN
Non-Speaking Non-Speaking
N.D. SUPERNUMERARIES
ë 11:[5,#b],17:[1,#b],18:[2,#b]
STAR TREK DEEP SPACE NINE: "Explorers" - 02/28/95 - SETS
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Explorers"
SETS
INTERIORS EXTERIORS
DEEP SPACE NINE DEEP SPACE NINE
CARGO BAY
COMMANDER'S OFFICE BAJORAN SHIP
INFIRMARY
O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS LEXINGTON
OPS
PROMENADE
QUARIK'S
REPLIMAT
SISKO'S QUARTERS
BAJORAN SHIP
STAR TREK: "Explorers" - 03/01/95 - PRONUNCIATION
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Explorers"
PRONUNCIATION GUIDE
ANDORIAN an-DOOR-ee-un
DENORIAS deh-NOHR-ee-us
ERIB AIR-ib
FANALIAN FUH-nail-ee-un
IKO EE-ko
JARED JAIR-ed
LEETA LEE-tah
LENSE lenz
TACHYONS TACK-ee-onz
CYGNIAN SIG-nee-un
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - TEASER 1.
STAR TREK: DEEP SPACE NINE
"Explorers"
TEASER
FADE IN:
1 INT. QUARK'S
where BASHIR is sitting at the bar reading a novel on a PADD
and sipping COFFEE. SUPERNUMERARIES as needed. After a
moment, an attractive Bajoran dabo girl, LEETA, approaches.
LEETA
Excuse me...
Bashir looks up, smiles at his visitor.
LEETA
You're Doctor Bashir, aren't you?
BASHIR
That's right.
LEETA
I'm Leeta. I've been meaning to
come by the Infirmary to see you.
She puts a hand to her mouth and manages to eke out two dainty
little coughs. Bashir is left with the distinct impression
that she's just trumping up an excuse to talk with him, and
he's more than happy to play along.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - TEASER 2.
1 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Oh, dear... how long have you had
this cough?
LEETA
A few days now...
He stands... reaches to put a hand on her bare back.
BASHIR
May I?
She nods it's all right...
BASHIR
Cough for me...
She performs two more of her cute little coughs...
BASHIR
Hmm...
Leeta looks at him as if gravely concerned.
LEETA
Is it serious, Doctor?
BASHIR
No... but it's a good thing you came
to me when you did...
Bashir sits her down and signals for the waiter. As the
FERENGI makes his way over...
BASHIR
We need to start your treatment right
away.
(to waiter)
Can I have a Fanalian toddy, very
hot.
The Ferengi nods and starts to move away, but Bashir stops
him.
BASHIR
Make that two...
(off Leeta's look)
I've been feeling a bit of a cough
coming on myself...
They both know full well this isn't true, but the rules of
this particular flirtation dictate that they play along...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - TEASER 3.
1 CONTINUED: (2)
LEETA
I'm sorry to hear that, Doctor.
BASHIR
Please... call me --
DAX (O.S.)
Julian.
Bashir turns to see DAX standing at his side with a smile on
her face. Bashir gives her a cursory greeting.
BASHIR
Hi...
When he fails to introduce her, Dax introduces herself.
DAX
(to Leeta)
I'm Jadzia...
LEETA
(friendly)
Leeta...
Bashir can see Dax is about to join them, he suddenly starts
to work his PADD.
BASHIR
(to Dax)
Before I forget, here's the
immunological data you asked for...
Before she can ask what he's talking about, he hands her the
PADD. Puzzled, Dax looks down at the screen.
1A INSERT - THE PADD
where the words GO AWAY are clearly written.
1B RESUME SCENE
as Dax realizes he wants her to leave.
DAX
(wry)
How sweet of you to put this together
for me so quickly...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - TEASER 4.
1B CONTINUED:
DAX (Cont'd)
(beat)
I think I'll go look it over right
now...
She nods a goodbye to Leeta and starts to leave, then seems
to remember something, turns back to Bashir. Though
pretending to be relaying some casual information, there's a
mischievous quality to her as she does so.
DAX
Oh, by the way... I just heard the
Lexington is going to be docking
here for a few days...
Bashir seems almost stricken to hear this.
BASHIR
The Lexington... ?
But before he can recover enough to ask her to clarify, Dax
EXITS to the Promenade. Bashir considers for a beat, then:
BASHIR
(to Leeta)
Excuse me for just one second.
And with that, he leaves a baffled looking Leeta behind and
follows Dax out into:
2 INT. PROMENADE
as Bashir catches up with Dax. SUPERNUMERARIES as needed.
BASHIR
Jadzia...
Dax turns and sees him...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - TEASER 5.
2 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Do you happen to know when the
Lexington is coming?
DAX
Three weeks.
(beat)
Don't you have a friend aboard?
Bashir makes a show of thinking it over.
BASHIR
Do I... ?
DAX
The medical officer... Elizabeth
Lense...
BASHIR
(as if trying to
remember)
Elizabeth Lense... I think she may
have been in my class at Starfleet
Medical.
DAX
Wasn't she the valedictorian?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - TEASER 6.
2 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
That's right...
DAX
And you were... salutatorian?
BASHIR
(nods)
Second in my class...
(minimizing it)
If I hadn't mistaken a pre-ganglionic
fiber --
DAX
For a post-ganglionic nerve, I know.
BASHIR
(trying to shrug it
off)
I would've been valedictorian.
DAX
(equally dismissive)
Oh, well...
(beat; brightly)
You must really be looking forward
to seeing her...
Bashir puts his best face forward.
BASHIR
I can hardly wait.
(beat)
I'd better get back to Leeta...
And with that, he turns and heads off in the wrong direction,
away from Quark's. He's so distracted he doesn't even
realize.
DAX
Julian... ?
(gesturing)
That way.
He nods and moves away... off Dax's bemused expression...
3 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Establishing.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - TEASER 6A.
4 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
where JAKE is standing by the window looking out at the stars,
lost in thought. He paces a bit as if trying to work
something out, seems to get an idea, then moves over to the
table where he has a PADD. He picks it up, starts working
it in a definitive manner... after a beat, the door OPENS
and SISKO ENTERS carrying a SATCHEL. He seems upbeat,
excited, and is sporting a week-old beard.
SISKO
Jake!
Jake reacts as if he'd rather not have his dad see what he
was working on.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - TEASER 7.
4 CONTINUED:
JAKE
Hey, Dad.
Jake stands to greet his father, and in a casual but
deliberate move, tosses the PADD face down onto a nearby
chair. Jake notices his Dad's beard for the first time.
JAKE
What's this?
SISKO
I just thought it was time for a
change...
(stroking it)
What do you think?
JAKE
I like it.
(beat)
How was Bajor?
SISKO
Beautiful, you should've come with
me.
JAKE
The re-opening of some old Library
isn't exactly my idea of a good time.
SISKO
This wasn't just any old Library...
we're talking about the most extensive
collection of Bajoran antiquities on
the planet. I saw manuscripts that
date back to before the Fall of the
First Republic.
JAKE
(less than enthused)
Great...
SISKO
Look at this...
Sisko takes a PADD from his satchel and shows it to Jake.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - TEASER 7A.
5 INSERT - THE PADD
where we see a blueprint of some kind, though it should be
hard for us to tell what exactly we're looking at.
6 RESUME SCENE
JAKE
What is it, some kind of ship?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - TEASER 8.
6 CONTINUED:
SISKO
According to legend, the ancient
Bajorans used ships like these to
explore their star system... eight
hundred years ago...
JAKE
(impressed)
You mean that when humans were first
sailing across the oceans, Bajorans
were already going to other planets?
SISKO
Some scholars think they made it all
the way to Cardassia...
JAKE
(studying the PADD)
Seems hard to believe... what are
these?
SISKO
Solar sails... these ships were
propelled by light pressure...
JAKE
(intrigued)
Like a sailboat catching the wind...
SISKO
Exactly...
Jake studies the PADD for a beat...
JAKE
I wonder if a ship like this could
really fly... ?
SISKO
I don't know... that's why I'm going
to build one...
Off Sisko's smile and Jake's reaction, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF TEASER
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 9.
ACT ONE
FADE IN:
(NOTE: Episode credits fall over opening scenes)
7 INT. CARGO BAY
as Sisko ENTERS at a brisk clip, followed by KIRA and O'BRIEN.
SISKO
-- I'm expecting a lumber shipment
from Bajor this afternoon.
O'BRIEN
(struck by this odd
request)
Okay...
SISKO
Which reminds me... I'll also need a
saber saw.
O'BRIEN
A saber saw?
SISKO
You know... to cut wood.
O'BRIEN
Why not use a laser cutter?
SISKO
Because I want to use the same types
of tools the Bajorans had.
O'Brien and Kira exchange a look as Sisko looks around the
room.
SISKO
This should do fine, Major... As
soon as these cargo containers are
out of the way, I'll start
construction.
O'Brien looks down at the PADD he's holding.
O'BRIEN
Sir, I've looked over the
specifications you brought back from
Bajor...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 9A.
7 CONTINUED:
O'BRIEN
... I'm not sure the design is
spaceworthy, and I'm positive a ship
like this couldn't have made it from
Bajor to Cardassia.
KIRA
(disagreeing)
Why do you say that?
O'BRIEN
At sublight speeds, the trip would've
taken them years, and that's assuming
ideal conditions. One unexpected
ion storm in the Denorias Belt
would've torn the sails to pieces
and left them stranded.
KIRA
Well maybe they were lucky and didn't
run into any storms.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT ONE 10.
7 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
I just don't see how a ship like
this could've made the trip. They
didn't even have replicators back
then... they would've had to store
their air supply...
(indicates PADD)
-- and there's only enough room
onboard for a few weeks worth.
KIRA
Maybe they recycled it somehow...
using some kind of photosynthetic
plant.
O'BRIEN
(politely skeptical)
Maybe...
KIRA
You sound like a Cardassian...
O'BRIEN
(bristling)
I beg your pardon?
KIRA
They've denied the possibility of
ancient contact for decades because
they can't stand the idea that Bajor
had interstellar flight before they
did.
O'BRIEN
With all due respect, Major... you're
beginning to sound like a Romulan.
KIRA
A Romulan?
O'BRIEN
There's no piece of technology in
existence that they don't claim they
invented before everyone else...
Sisko smiles and decides to intervene.
SISKO
Look... I'm not planning to spend
the next few years sailing to
Cardassia... I just want to build
one of these ships and prove that
it's spaceworthy...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT ONE 11.
O'BRIEN
A computer model could do that...
why go to all the trouble?
Sisko turns and looks at O'Brien...
SISKO
Why?
(smiles)
Because it'll be fun...
Sisko turns away to case out the room, and his colleagues
exchange looks... they haven't seen their commander this
excited about something in a long time...
8 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
9 INT. CARGO BAY (OPTICAL)
A MONTAGE showing Sisko working... welding pieces of metal
together, fitting glass, etc. He's wearing a workman's
jumpsuit, and in some shots a welder's mask. He seems like
the happiest man alive...
10 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
Where Jake and Sisko are having dinner. Sisko is in his
workman's jumpsuit, now stained and worn.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 12.
10 CONTINUED:
SISKO
I've been thinking... according to
the star charts, the most difficult
part of the trip between Bajor and
Cardassia would be getting through
the Denorias Belt. After that, it
would be smooth sailing the rest of
the way.
Jake isn't terribly interested, he's just being polite.
JAKE
Really...
SISKO
Just being able to make that part of
the trip would go a long way toward
demonstrating that the Bajorans could
have made the journey to Cardassia.
JAKE
Seems reasonable...
Sisko starts fishing here to see if Jake might be interested
in coming along.
SISKO
It would only take about... four,
five days...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 13.
10 CONTINUED: (2)
JAKE
That's not so long...
SISKO
So...
JAKE
(unsure)
What?
SISKO
What do you say you come with me?
We'll have a great time. The ship'll
be ready to go in another week.
JAKE
I don't know, Dad... Nog's birthday
is next week... I promised I'd do
something with him.
SISKO
All right. We can do it after his
birthday.
JAKE
(grasping)
That's when Leanne is supposed to
get back from Bajor. I really want
to see her, and I don't know how
long she's going to be here.
Sisko realizes Jake is making excuses. He's a little hurt,
but doesn't push his son.
SISKO
Oh... well... if you can't do it,
you can't do it.
JAKE
I'd like to, but... it's just not
good timing, you know?
Sisko is disappointed but tries not to show it.
SISKO
Sure. I understand.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT ONE 14-15.
10 CONTINUED: (3)
They fall into silence for a few moments and eat, each alone
with their thoughts... off this moment...
11 INT. REPLIMAT
where Bashir is having COFFEE at a table, reading over a
medical journal on a PADD. After a moment, Dax approaches
carrying a raktajino and reads over his shoulder:
DAX
(reading)
A survey of Cygnian Respiratory
diseases...
(wry)
Fascinating...
Bashir realizes she's on to him, admits it.
BASHIR
I'm reading everything I can get my
hands on so I won't be caught flat-
footed by the intrepid Doctor Lense.
It's useless, of course... she's
probably discovered the cure to aging
by now...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/02/95 - ACT ONE 16.
11 CONTINUED:
DAX
I take it the two of you were...
competitive.
BASHIR
Absolutely. We were neck and neck
right up to the final exam. And
then I blew it.
(a beat)
And that's how she wound up on the
Lexington. A post virtually everyone
in our graduating class was hoping
for.
DAX
Including you?
BASHIR
No, this is the assignment I wanted.
DAX
Then what does it matter?
BASHIR
Don't you see? She could've had
this post, she could've taken it
from me. Somehow... no matter what
I accomplish while I'm here, that'll
always make me feel... second best...
And with that, Bashir turns and EXITS to the Promenade...
leaving Dax to wonder if maybe she should stop teasing him
so much...
12 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
where Sisko is using a BAJORAN LASER TORCH to weld together
a winch that's used to trim the sails. The ship's interior
has taken shape around him. The walls and floor reflect the
gentle, graceful curves of the exterior design. Compressed
air tanks are built into the walls, and in places we get a
suggestion of their existence. There might be little nooks
and ledges formed where the walls and floor meet, places a
person might perch themselves to read.
Because this was a zero-gravity ship, the ceiling is quite
low, and like the walls and floor, there are handles on it
for the crew to grab onto.
The interior has an almost Jules Verne feel to it.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 16A.
12 CONTINUED:
You can see it in the ornate details worked into the
bulkhead, the use of rich woods, the pipes and valve
assemblies that emerge from the bolted iron walls, the analog
gauges, the portholes (which are placed not just in the
walls, but in the floor and ceiling as well).
Much of the wall space is taken up by four winch assemblies
that occupy each corner of the room. These extend from floor
to ceiling and are used to control the sails; they consist
of gauges, cranks, gears and levers.
There's a table against one wall for reading star charts,
with a rack for holding the rolled up charts. A complex
looking SEXTANT hangs from the ceiling near the portholes.
Because the crew needs to be able to move unencumbered around
the cabin to work the winches, there are no chairs or beds.
When it comes time to sit or sleep, the crew will use pillows
or string up a hammock. A door in one wall leads to the
head... and against another wall there's a small zero-gravity
GALLEY.
After a moment, Dax peers through one of the windows, then
ENTERS through the opening where a door will eventually be.
She's carrying a "picnic basket" with food.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT ONE 17.
12 CONTINUED: (2)
DAX
Hi...
Sisko looks up briefly from his work.
SISKO
Come on in...
DAX
I brought you something to eat...
SISKO
Thanks... let me just finish welding
this and I'll take a break.
Dax sets the basket down, looks around. She's struck by the
unusual design and the fine craftsmanship that went into
executing it.
DAX
Benjamin... I can't believe the work
you've put into this...
SISKO
(modestly)
I'm just following the blueprints...
DAX
(touching a carved
surface)
But you didn't have to bother with
detail like this to prove the ship
is spaceworthy.
Sisko sets down the welder, moves to join her.
SISKO
I suppose not... but I want everything
to be just right... it's an exact
replica...
(admitting it)
Except for the gravity net I installed
in the floor... weightlessness makes
me queasy...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT ONE 18.
12 CONTINUED: (3)
Dax sees how happy he seems and can't help but smile.
She starts pulling food and drink from the basket.
DAX
I haven't seen you like this in a
long time...
SISKO
Like what?
DAX
So caught up in something... so
excited...
(considers)
Not since... not since you and
Jennifer decided to have a baby.
Sisko smiles self-deprecatingly...
SISKO
The nursery...
DAX
I don't think anyone's ever put more
effort into making a room for their
baby...
SISKO
But you have to admit it turned out
pretty well...
DAX
Especially the starscape on the
ceiling...
SISKO
Jake loved that ceiling... when we
moved out of the house, he couldn't
understand why we couldn't bring it
with us.
A quiet moment...
DAX
You're disappointed he's not going
with you on this trip, Aren't you?
SISKO
He's got other things he'd rather be
doing, friends he'd rather spend
time with.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT ONE 19.
12 CONTINUED: (4)
SISKO
(considers)
It's funny... a year or two ago,
nothing would've stopped him from
coming with me on an adventure like
this.
(with regret)
I guess I waited too long...
There's a quiet moment between them...
DAX
You'll have other adventures together,
Benjamin... they'll just be different.
Believe me, I know. I've been a
father a couple of times, myself.
(thinking back)
I could tell you stories...
SISKO
(smiling)
You already have...
DAX
That's right... I have, haven't I?
(shrugs)
Then you know I'm right.
And with a smile of encouragement she EXITS; Sisko picks up
the welder to resume work... but we can see that he's still
troubled...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT ONE
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT TWO 20.
ACT TWO
FADE IN:
13 INT. SISKO'S QUARTERS
as Jake ENTERS from the corridor with the air of a person
glad to be home after being gone for a few hours.
JAKE
Computer...
We hear the SOUND of the Computer engaging.
JAKE
Are there any messages for me?
COMPUTER VOICE
One... a communication from
Wellington, New Zealand.
Jake moves toward the computer monitor.
JAKE
Display it on screen...
As Jake reads off the screen we first get the impression
that he's received some surprising but welcome news... after
a moment, however, a look of concern crosses his features...
off his thoughtful face...
14 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
The vessel is now complete.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT TWO 21.
14 CONTINUED:
Sisko is stowing away a briefcase-sized STARFLEET
COMMUNICATIONS UNIT. As he works, Jake ENTERS from the door.
Sisko turns and sees him.
SISKO
Jake...
JAKE
Hey, Dad...
Sisko gestures around the cabin with a smile of pride.
SISKO
So what do you think?
JAKE
It's terrific... maybe a little small
for two people... but I think I could
get used to it.
Sisko reacts, unsure what Jake means...
JAKE
That is, if you still want me along.
He breaks into a broad grin... after a beat, Sisko returns
it...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT TWO 22.
14 CONTINUED: (2)
Off this moment between father and son...
15 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing.
16 INT. OPS
as Sisko and Kira EXIT from his office. He's in CIVILIAN
CLOTHES, carrying a duffel BAG, and is giving his last orders
before departing.
SISKO
(remembering)
I'm expecting a report from Starfleet
Command. You'd better relay it to
me aboard the Baraka as soon as it
comes in.
KIRA
The Baraka... ?
SISKO
That's what I named the ship... it's
Swahili for "good fortune"...
Kira smiles appreciatively. Suddenly Dax turns from her
console.
DAX
Benjamin, there's an incoming message
from Gul Dukat... he says it's urgent
he speak with you.
SISKO
(gesturing to his
office)
Patch it through to my office...
As Sisko EXITS to his office, Kira and Dax share a look of
concern...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/02/95 - ACT TWO 23.
17 INT. COMMANDER'S OFFICE (OPTICAL)
where Sisko is talking with GUL DUKAT on a MONITOR. Their
conversation has a veneer of civility, but they're gauging
each other's motives the whole time.
DUKAT
I understand you're planning a trip.
SISKO
Word gets around.
DUKAT
I can't believe that a man of your
intelligence would take stock in
Bajoran fairy tales about ancient
contact.
SISKO
If you recall, you thought the
Celestial Temple was a Bajoran fairy
tale...
(a small smile)
-- until we discovered the wormhole.
Dukat gives Sisko a cold look.
DUKAT
I suggest you reconsider your plans;
solar vessels are very fragile, and
it's a long way to the Denorias Belt
at sublight speeds...
SISKO
Don't worry. I'll have emergency
equipment aboard. If something goes
wrong, Major Kira can get a runabout
to me within an hour.
DUKAT
An hour can be a long time...
especially if you happen to encounter
something unexpected.
SISKO
Like what?
DUKAT
Oh, I don't know. A Maquis ship,
perhaps...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT TWO 24.
17 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Why would the Maquis have any quarrel
with an unarmed ship sailing toward
the Denorias Belt... they have nothing
at stake here, nothing to prove...
or should I say, disprove.
DUKAT
Commander, I contacted you out of
concern for your safety, but you
seem to be intimating that I've made
some sort of threat.
SISKO
I'm glad I was wrong. For a moment
there I thought you'd been put in
charge of the Cardassian Ministry
for the Refutation of Bajoran
Fairy Tales...
Dukat stiffens...
DUKAT
Since I don't seem to have dissuaded
you from undertaking this little
voyage of yours, I'll wish you luck
instead. Let's hope you don't need
it.
And with that, Dukat terminates the transmission. Off Sisko's
thoughtful features...
18 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as the tiny capsule drifts away from the station, its sails
not yet deployed.
19 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
as Sisko and Jake prepare to deploy the sails. The iris
shutters on the portholes are closed.
SISKO
All right... first we've got to deploy
the mainsails.
(indicating)
I want you to take that winch over
there...
Jake moves to the winch his father indicated.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT TWO 25.
19 CONTINUED:
SISKO
When I tell you, start cranking with
all you've got...
Sisko mans a different winch assembly...
SISKO
Let's do it...
The two men start cranking away... it's not easy, but they
both seem to be enjoying the exertion...
SISKO
Keep at it, nice and steady...
Sisko moves to a different winch and starts cranking...
20 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as the two main sails unfurl from the capsule.
21 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
as the Siskos crank away... the cabin shifts unpredictably
due to the movement of the sails outside... Jake cranks until
it won't go any further.
JAKE
That's as far as it'll go...
SISKO
Okay...
(indicating another
winch)
I'll work on the spritsails while
you deploy the jib...
Jake moves to the winch indicated by Sisko and gets to work...
Sisko takes another winch...
SISKO
(encouraging)
Put your back into it...
Jake redoubles his efforts...
SISKO
(smiles)
That's it... we'll make a sailor out
of you, yet...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT TWO 26.
21 CONTINUED:
Sisko is clearly enjoying every moment of this, and Jake
can't help but feel his enthusiasm too.
22 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
The jib is moving into its position above the capsule... and
the spritsails are moving to their positions at its sides...
23 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
as Sisko and Jake stop cranking... both have broken into a
sweat from the exertion... Sisko opens the iris shutters and
they move to look through a porthole toward the sails...
JAKE
Now I get it...
SISKO
What?
JAKE
Why you wanted to build this ship.
Jake and Sisko take in the sight...
24 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
All the sails are now in position. As they catch the light,
the ship starts to move away... it's a stunningly beautiful
sight... off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT TWO
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT THREE 27.
ACT THREE
FADE IN:
25 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as it sails past...
26 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
where Sisko is looking out one of the portholes through the
sextant... Jake is unrolling a star chart and fastening it
to the table using the clamps that run along its sides.
SISKO
(off sextant reading)
Jake, trim the starboard sprit by
about six degrees...
Jake takes a crank handle and complies... Sisko looks out a
nearby porthole at the sail...
JAKE
O.K. How's that?
SISKO
That should do it... we'll start
picking up speed as the pressure on
the sails builds...
Sisko swings the sextant around to the other porthole and
takes another reading. Meanwhile, Jake takes a look around
the room...
JAKE
Hey, Dad... where do we sleep?
SISKO
(as he works)
There are hammocks we can string up
later...
Jake nods, moves to open the door to the bathroom. Though
Jake's body blocks most of our view, we can see that it's
tiny, barely large enough to stand in.
JAKE
This is the bathroom?
SISKO
It was designed for a zero-gravity
environment...
JAKE
(at a loss)
How do you...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT THREE 28.
26 CONTINUED:
SISKO
You'll get the hang of it...
Sisko finishes his readings, cranks a winch a few turns, and
moves to look at the star chart. Using nautical-looking
NAVIGATIONAL TOOLS (a parallel ruler, a compass, etc), he
works out their flight plan as Jake watches...
SISKO
We'll be tacking against the light
most of the way... we'll run like
this for the next ninety minutes or
so... then we'll come about and I'll
calculate our next leg...
Jake takes this in, fascinated...
SISKO
How about something to drink... ?
Sisko goes to the galley and takes out two POUCHES of water,
tosses one to Jake. Jake reacts to the zero-gravity ration...
JAKE
Don't tell me we only have zero-
gravity rations...
SISKO
(lightly)
That's all the ancient Bajorans had...
Sisko settles onto the floor, his back against the wall,
lets out a contented breath. Jake settles onto the floor
nearby. After a quiet moment...
SISKO
Listen...
Jake cocks his ear for a moment...
JAKE
I don't hear anything...
SISKO
Exactly... not even the hum of an
engine...
Sisko smiles to himself, caught up for a moment in the romance
of sailing...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT THREE 29.
26 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
It's almost like being on the deck
of an old sailing ship... except the
stars aren't just up in the sky,
they're all around us...
(a beat)
Imagine what the ancient Bajorans
must've felt... heading out into
space in ships like this one... not
knowing what they would find... or
who they would meet.
Jake is looking at his father, glad to see him swept up in
something... Sisko looks at him for a quiet moment...
SISKO
Jake... I know you didn't really
want to come on this trip...
Jake starts to protest but Sisko holds up a hand to stop
him.
SISKO
I just want to say I'm glad you're
here...
A moment between father and son...
JAKE
Dad... there's something I need to
talk to you about...
SISKO
Sure, what is it?
Jake stands to go get his duffel bag and remove a PADD from
it.
JAKE
First you should read this...
This is a difficult moment for him, as if he's both proud of
something and yet embarrassed by it. He activates the PADD
and hands it to his father.
JAKE
It's a story I wrote...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT THREE 30.
26 CONTINUED: (3)
SISKO
A story...
(lightly, re: PADD)
-- so that's why you kept putting
this away every time I walked into
the room...
Jake smiles, a little embarrassed over being caught.
SISKO
If you keep an eye on the rigging,
I'll read it right now...
JAKE
(smiles)
Deal...
Sisko moves to sit on one of the nooks formed by the bulkhead
where the floor and wall meet. As Jake mans the rig, he
casts a couple glances over at his father, who's now absorbed
in the PADD... will he like it... ?
27 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
with a Galaxy-class starship docked on one of the upper
pylons. (STOCK)
28 INT. INFIRMARY
where Bashir is walking around, straightening up the already
immaculate Infirmary. He sees a smudge on a console and
wipes it with his sleeve. He moves some piece of equipment
to another location on a countertop and studies it for a
beat as if to decide whether it looks better. Suddenly ODO
speaks from off camera, startling Bashir.
ODO (O.S.)
It looked better where it was
before...
28 WIDEN TO INCLUDE ODO
as Bashir turns and sees him.
ODO
I thought you might want to know
that the Lexington docked a few
minutes ago...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT THREE 31.
29 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
(nonchalant)
Already... ? I thought it wasn't
coming for another day or two...
Odo gives him a knowing smile...
ODO
She's at Quark's...
And with that, he EXITS to the Promenade... leaving Bashir
to wonder how Odo knows so much about his life...
30 INT. QUARK'S
where we pan across the SUPERNUMERARIES, including MORN, to
find O'Brien and Bashir sitting at a table. Their glasses
are empty, as if they've been there a while. O'Brien casts
an impatient glance at a distracted-looking Bashir.
O'BRIEN
Are you going to go talk to her or
not?
Bashir glances over toward another table, where we see DOCTOR
ELIZABETH LENSE talking with two other officers from the
Lexington (they're wearing TNG uniforms).
BASHIR
She's busy...
O'Brien rolls his eyes. QUARK suddenly appears at their
table.
QUARK
(to Bashir)
You never mentioned she was
beautiful...
Bashir can't believe Quark knows about her too.
BASHIR
(sharp)
I never mentioned her at all, not to
you anyway.
QUARK
Morn gave me three-to-one odds that
you'll exchange awkward pleasantries
for a few minutes and say goodbye...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT THREE 32.
30 CONTINUED:
QUARK
(with a wink and a
nudge)
I'm betting that your charm will
take you further...
Bashir's cold glare makes Quark realize he's not too happy...
Quark smiles awkwardly and takes his leave... O'Brien sees
that Lense and her colleagues are saying goodbye...
O'BRIEN
She's getting up...
O'Brien gives him a reassuring pat on the back. Bashir sees
that she's going to pass near their table as she heads for
the exit. He straightens his uniform, frames a smile on his
face, and times standing up so that they'll just "happen" to
run into each other.
She approaches, gets closer... Bashir acts as if he just saw
her, breaks into a grin... she looks right at him... and
walks right past...
Bashir can't believe it... he turns and looks at O'Brien...
what can he do but shrug at the inexplicability of what
happened...
30A EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as it sails past... (Same as Scene 25)
31 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
where Sisko is still reading the PADD. Jake is on tenterhooks
waiting to see what his Dad will think. Sisko smiles at
something he reads, and Jake just stares at him, trying to
guess what it might be.
After another moment, Sisko looks up at his son. Jake meets
his eye and waits what seems like forever for him to say
something.
JAKE
So... what do you think... ?
SISKO
(simply)
I liked it...
Jake hears the sincerity in his voice and breaks into a grin.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT THREE 32A.
31 CONTINUED:
JAKE
You're not just saying that?
SISKO
No... it's good...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT THREE 33.
31 CONTINUED: (2)
JAKE
What did you think about the part
where Jared thinks he's been betrayed?
SISKO
I'm not sure he'd confront Iko about
it... at least not right away.
JAKE
Yeah... I guess he could wait until
after he gets back from the
Demilitarized Zone.
SISKO
That'd be more believable.
JAKE
So you really think it was good,
huh?
SISKO
I think it shows a lot of promise.
Jake's features falter, he isn't quite sure how to take this.
JAKE
Promise... ?
SISKO
In a few places you're writing about
things you haven't actually
experienced. At least... I hope you
haven't experienced. Unless you've
joined the Maquis without telling
me.
JAKE
(poker faced)
I can't talk about it...
A beat as Sisko gauges Jake's face, then Jake can't hold it
anymore and breaks into a smile.
JAKE
I had you going there...
They share a smile...
SISKO
(re: PADD)
I'm impressed, Jake, I really am...
You should keep writing.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT THREE 34.
31 CONTINUED: (3)
JAKE
I'm thinking about it.
SISKO
Don't think about it, do it.
Jake grows quiet for a moment, as if considering whether or
not to say something...
JAKE
What I mean is... yesterday I got a
communication from the Pennington
School in New Zealand... they offered
me a writing fellowship...
Sisko couldn't be more taken by surprise. He's both proud
and distressed, because taking it would mean Jake's leaving
DS9.
SISKO
That's terrific, Jake... I... didn't
even know you'd applied...
JAKE
I didn't really. What happened is,
I showed a story I wrote to Mrs.
O'Brien... I guess she liked it
because she showed it to a friend of
hers who knows someone at the school
and --
Jake is cut off when one of the winches suddenly groans and
gives way... it starts to UNCRANK rapidly, and just as Sisko
hurries toward it the ship suddenly leans hard to one side,
throwing him against the bulkhead...
31A EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
(FORMERLY SCENE 32)
The starboard spritsail is askew so that it's now
roughly perpendicular to and partially blocking the
starboard mainsail.
Off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT THREE
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FOUR 35.
ACT FOUR
FADE IN:
32 OMITTED
33 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
where Sisko and Jake are struggling to get the craft under
control. The problem with the sails is causing the ship to
shift unpredictably, making their task that much more
complicated...
Sisko is appraising the situation through one of the small
portholes that look out onto the sail...
SISKO
A mast support gave way... the
starboard sprit is fouling one of
the mainsails...
JAKE
Can we fix it... ?
SISKO
I don't think so... we're going to
have to jettison the sprit...
Sisko moves to one of the winches, gestures that Jake should
go to another...
SISKO
Let's fall off a little... take some
pressure off the sails...
Jake lets the crank unwind, and the cabin rights itself to a
certain extent. Sisko starts cranking hard, straining against
the pressure...
SISKO
(straining)
Lock it down and give me a hand...
Jake hurries to his father's side and throws his weight
against the crank... they manage to move it a bit... then a
little more...
SISKO
(straining)
One more turn...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT FOUR 36.
33 CONTINUED:
And with one last burst of effort they get it...
SISKO
Good work...
Sisko moves to a control panel and works it...
SISKO
All right... I'm going to jettison
the sprit...
34 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as a small charge DETONATES at the base of the starboard
sprit, snapping the support and sending the sail away from
the ship... as it starts to tumble away we cut back into...
35 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
Sisko moves to a porthole, peers up at the sail.
SISKO
That's better... but it looks like
we're getting a lot of spill off the
sails... we won't make as much headway
on each tack...
He turns to Jake, lays it on the line for him.
SISKO
I don't know if we'll be able to get
to the Denorias Belt like this.
But Jake refuses to give up so easily...
JAKE
The ancient Bajorans probably ran
into these kinds of problems, too.
SISKO
I suppose they did.
JAKE
Did they give up and go home?
SISKO
Seems to me we're here to prove they
didn't.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FOUR 37.
35 CONTINUED:
They're both in agreement that they should press on, and
this act of resolve is energizing to both.
JAKE
Then what are we waiting for?
SISKO
Let's get to work.
Sisko gestures to a winch and takes another himself. When
they're in position...
SISKO
Coming about...
They both start cranking away, and as the cabin tilts to
reflect the course change we cut out...
36 OMITTED
37 INT. O'BRIEN'S QUARTERS
Bashir, O'Brien, and a half-empty bottle of scotch.
O'BRIEN AND BASHIR
(singing)
Bring me my bow, of burn - ing
gold...
Bring me my ar - rows of
de - sire...
Bring me my spear! O clouds ?
un-fold...
Bring me my cha - ri-ots of fire!
I will not cease, from men-tal
fight...
Nor shall my sword sleep in
hand...
Till we have built,
Je-ru - sa - lem...
In Eng-land's green and plea-sant
land...
Bashir, who is drunker than O'Brien, is visibly moved by the
song...
BASHIR
That was beautiful, Chief... just
beautiful. You know what we should
do... ?
O'BRIEN
What?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 02/28/95 - ACT FOUR 37A.
37 CONTINUED:
BASHIR
Go to Quark's... and sing it for
everyone there...
O'Brien is sober enough to see this is a bad idea...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT FOUR 38.
37 CONTINUED: (2)
O'BRIEN
Maybe we should switch to synthale...
BASHIR
No... this isn't a synthale kind of
night...
(somber)
She walked right by me, Chief. Acted
like I wasn't even there.
O'BRIEN
You know what I think... I think
she's in love with you...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT FOUR 39.
37 CONTINUED: (3)
A beat as Bashir considers this unlikely thought.
BASHIR
I don't think so.
O'BRIEN
It's the only explanation.
(considers)
Unless of course, she ignored you
because she can't stand you.
BASHIR
(hopeful)
Isn't there an explanation somewhere
in between?
O'BRIEN
You're not an in-between kind of
guy.
BASHIR
What do you mean?
O'BRIEN
People either love you or hate you.
BASHIR
Really?
O'BRIEN
I hated you when we first met.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT FOUR 40.
37 CONTINUED: (4)
BASHIR
I remember.
O'BRIEN
But now...
Bashir waits for O'Brien to finish the sentiment, but he
doesn't continue...
BASHIR
But now... ?
O'BRIEN
Now...
(can't quite bring
himself to say it)
I don't.
Bashir reacts as if O'Brien had just come out and told him
that now he loved him.
BASHIR
(sincere)
That means a lot to me, Chief, it
really does...
O'BRIEN
That's from the heart, too... I really
do...
(tripping on it again)
-- not hate you anymore...
A warm moment between them.
O'BRIEN
If you want to find out why she
ignored you, you're going to have to
confront her.
BASHIR
You're right...
(stands)
I'm going to go up to her and ask
her flat out where she gets off
walking past me like that.
He heads for the door as if intending to do it now, but
O'Brien stops him.
O'BRIEN
Better wait until tomorrow...
BASHIR
Why should I? Why not right now?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FOUR 41.
37 CONTINUED: (5)
O'BRIEN
Because right now you can barely
stand up.
Bashir considers for a beat, then agrees.
BASHIR
Good point.
O'Brien gives him a mischievous smile, then begins to softly
sing...
O'BRIEN
And did those feet in an-cient
time...
Walk up-on Eng-land's moun-tains
green?
Bashir joins in...
O'BRIEN AND BASHIR
And was the Ho - ly Lamb of
God...
On Eng-land's plea-sant
pas - tures seen?
As they continue the song we...
CUT TO:
38 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
Sisko and Jake are still hard at work, now manning different
winches from before. Jake seems winded, near exhaustion.
Sisko is looking up at the sails through a porthole...
SISKO
This'll be the last time we have to
come about for a while...
JAKE
Good.
SISKO
Ready... ?
(off Jake's nod)
Now...
They start working their winches and the craft starts to
come around... they work for a few moments, then Sisko moves
to a different winch, checks the sail through a porthole,
and makes a few adjustments...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/06/95 - ACT FOUR 41A.
38 CONTINUED:
When he's done, he gives Jake a reassuring slap on the
shoulder.
SISKO
Nice job. Come on...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FOUR 42.
38 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
Let's set up the hammock and take a
break...
They quickly string up the hammock, and Sisko motions to
Jake...
SISKO
Hop in...
Jake crawls inside the hammock...
JAKE
Not bad...
Sisko smiles, after a moment...
SISKO
So, I suppose congratulations are in
order. Pennington's a good school...
very competitive...
JAKE
Dad, before you say anything... I'm
turning down the Fellowship...
Sisko is surprised to hear this...
SISKO
Turning it down... why?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FOUR 43.
38 CONTINUED: (3)
JAKE
I'm just... not ready to go.
Sisko considers for a moment... his first thought is that
Jake isn't going because he's afraid to leave the security
of home...
SISKO
Jake, an opportunity like this doesn't
come along every day...
JAKE
I can defer admission for a year.
If I want to go then, I still can.
SISKO
That's great, but... why would things
be any different in a year?
The question seems to make Jake uncomfortable.
JAKE
I don't know... they just might be,
that's all.
Sisko sees that Jake seems uncomfortable... he considers how
best to advise his son.
SISKO
You know... I wasn't much older than
you are when I left for San Francisco
to go to Starfleet Academy. For the
first few days, I was so homesick I
went back to my house in New Orleans
every night for dinner.
Sisko smiles as he remembers.
SISKO
I'd materialize in the living room
at six-thirty and take my seat at
the table like I'd just come down
the stairs...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT FOUR 44.
38 CONTINUED: (4)
JAKE
You must've used up a month's worth
of Transporter Credits...
SISKO
My parents... they never said anything
about it... just "How you doing,
son, how was school today?" They
knew I'd get over being homesick
soon enough, and they were right.
By the third or fourth day, you
couldn't have pried me away from the
campus.
Jake smiles at his father's story...
SISKO
Of course... if you go to Pennington,
you won't be able to beam back to
the station to have dinner with your
old man, but after a week or so,
you'll get over it...
Jake sits up in the hammock, he isn't quite sure how to say
this.
JAKE
Dad, it's not me I'm worried about...
it's you.
SISKO
Me?
JAKE
If I go, you'll be all alone...
Sisko is touched by his son's concern, even though he doesn't
share it...
SISKO
Jake, I appreciate you thinking about
me... but don't turn down this
opportunity on my account. I'll
have plenty of people to keep me
company. I can have dinner with
Dax, or Doctor Bashir... even Quark.
JAKE
(unconvinced)
I guess... but I'd feel a lot better
if... you had someone... you know...
someone special... like a
girlfriend...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT FOUR 45.
38 CONTINUED: (5)
Sisko reacts to this unexpected statement.
SISKO
I see...
JAKE
The thing is... you haven't had a
date in over a year. A year, Dad...
What can Sisko say? It's true. Sisko finds himself
responding as he would to a friend, a peer... he's forgotten
for the moment that this is his son.
SISKO
I guess I've been too busy...
JAKE
You've got to make time for these
things...
SISKO
You're right...
Suddenly Sisko smiles to himself...
SISKO
I can't believe this... I'm getting
advice about women from my son...
JAKE
Don't think of me as your son right
now. Just think of me as another
guy.
(a beat)
Another guy who happens to know a
very attractive lady who wants to
meet you.
Sisko can't believe his ears.
SISKO
Are you trying to set me up?
JAKE
Why not?
Before Sisko can reply the cabin lurches violently...
JAKE
What was that... ?
Sisko rushes to the forward porthole to check the sails...
STXT X 6 127:[4,#b]
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FOUR 46.
38 CONTINUED: (6)
SISKO
I'm not sure... but whatever hit us
almost tore off the port mainsail...
Suddenly the ship is hit by a second, more violent eddy --
39 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
Through a mild distortion effect we see the ship being
buffeted by a light eddy so powerful it tears the port
mainsail off (the starboard spritsail has already been
jettisoned). As the ship is caught up and whisked away we
cut back to --
40 INT. BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as Sisko and Jake hang on for dear life... they look out the
windows and are startled to see the stars shooting by at
warp... off this moment we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FOUR
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 47.
ACT FIVE
FADE IN:
41 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
As it's swept along by some invisible current, the jib is
torn away. The stars streak by in a warp effect, indicating
the ship is traveling at faster than light speeds.
42 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
Main power has failed, and the cabin is lit by dimmer
emergency lights. Sisko is desperately trying to get control
of the violently lurching ship... He has to raise his voice
to be heard over the SOUND of groaning metal...
SISKO
Main power is off-line. We're moving
at warp...
JAKE
How can that be... ?
SISKO
I don't know...
Just as suddenly as they were caught up in it, the current
throws the ship free... the SOUND of groaning metal stops...
43 NEW ANGLE
We can see through the window that the ship is no longer
traveling faster than light.
JAKE
What happened... ?
SISKO
Good question...
Sisko moves to look at the star chart that's laid out on the
table...
SISKO
There's no record of any spatial
anomalies in this region...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/07/95 - ACT FIVE 47A.
43 CONTINUED:
As Sisko considers the problem, Jake looks down at the
chart...
JAKE
What are these... ?
Sisko answers almost distractedly, as if he doesn't think
his answer is relevant.
SISKO
Tachyon eddies... they run all through
this area...
JAKE
Could we have gotten caught up in
one... ?
SISKO
No... tachyons don't have enough
mass to affect a ship of this...
He stops himself as he realizes something...
JAKE
What is it?
SISKO
(thinking out loud)
But this isn't any ordinary ship, it
has a lot more surface area relative
to its mass...
JAKE
Because of the sails...
SISKO
(putting it together)
And since tachyons travel faster
than light, it could be that their
impact on the sails somehow
accelerated us up to warp speeds...
(beat)
We could be light years off course...
JAKE
The question is, where did we end
up?
STXT .
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 48.
43 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
You check the rigging, I'll try to
figure that out...
Jake looks through a porthole at the sail and Sisko moves to
the sextant...
JAKE
We lost the jib and port mainsail...
Sisko looks through the navigational sextant and is dismayed
to see that the main lens is shattered.
SISKO
Damn...
Jake reacts to his father's dismay...
JAKE
What?
Sisko shows him the shattered lens.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - 02/27/95 - ACT FIVE 49.
43 CONTINUED: (3)
SISKO
It's useless...
He swings it away in frustration.
SISKO
There's no way for us to figure out
where we are... or where we're
going...
They look at each other for a long moment, neither wanting
to admit defeat... finally...
SISKO
We'd better contact the station, let
them know they're going to have to
come get us...
Sisko takes out the portable com unit, starts to work it.
Jake watches, dejected... After a moment...
JAKE
(crestfallen)
We were so close... another day and
we would've reached the Denorias
Belt.
SISKO
Hey, we did pretty well making it as
far as we did...
Sisko works the unit... Jake sees that he seems concerned.
JAKE
Is something wrong?
SISKO
The station's not responding...
JAKE
Is the com unit damaged?
SISKO
(working the unit)
Not as far as I can see...
Sisko considers for a moment, then realizes...
SISKO
Maybe they haven't received the
message yet...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 50.
43 CONTINUED: (4)
JAKE
Do you think we could have been
carried that far away from the
station... ?
Sisko looks out at the stars...
SISKO
I suppose it's possible...
Jake sees the look on his dad's face...
JAKE
They'll find us eventually... right?
Sisko tries not to look worried...
SISKO
Sure...
But Jake can see the concern in his father's features... off
this moment...
44 EXT. SPACE - DEEP SPACE NINE (OPTICAL)
Re-establishing, the Lexington might be in view.
45 INT. QUARK'S
SUPERNUMERARIES as needed. A hung-over Bashir is
surreptitiously watching Doctor Lense, who is sitting with a
fellow officer at the bar. After a beat, the other officer
leaves. Bashir steels himself, then approaches...
BASHIR
Excuse me...
She looks up at him...
ELIZABETH
Yes... ?
There seems to be a flicker of recognition on her features.
BASHIR
We went to medical school together.
I'm Julian Bashir.
She reacts with surprise, though the name is definitely known
to her.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 51.
45 CONTINUED:
ELIZABETH
You're Bashir... ?
BASHIR
You seem surprised...
ELIZABETH
I... thought you were Andorian...
BASHIR
What... ?
ELIZABETH
Someone pointed out an Andorian to
me at a party and said he was Julian
Bashir. It was New Year's Eve... at
Bruce Lucier's, four years ago.
BASHIR
(realizing)
I went to that party. With my friend
Erib... he's Andorian.
They're both smiling now that they realize what happened.
ELIZABETH
I must've gotten you mixed up... all
these years, I thought you were
someone else.
BASHIR
Didn't you see me give my speech at
graduation?
ELIZABETH
No, I was backstage waiting to give
my speech. I was so nervous I almost
passed out.
BASHIR
I know what you mean...
They look at each other for a beat the way you do when you
run into a classmate... smiling, memories cascading back at
you.
ELIZABETH
So... you gave me quite a run for my
money.
(lightly)
If it hadn't been for that pre-
ganglionic fiber...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 51A.
45 CONTINUED: (2)
BASHIR
You know about that?
ELIZABETH
I know that if you hadn't gotten it
wrong you would've been valedictorian.
BASHIR
I never got a chance to congratulate
you...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 52.
45 CONTINUED: (3)
Elizabeth reacts with genuine modesty...
ELIZABETH
Seems like a long time ago, doesn't
it... ?
BASHIR
Not so long...
(beat)
So... you got the Lexington... you
must've had quite an adventure out
there... exploring uncharted space,
meeting fascinating new races with
fascinating new diseases...
Her face registers uncertainty, an inner shrug...
ELIZABETH
Actually, it ended up being more of
a charting expedition. Sometimes it
would be months between planetary
systems. You wouldn't believe how
excited I'd get if we actually found
something living -- even if it was
just some moss under a rock.
Bashir isn't sure if she's just trying to make him feel
better.
ELIZABETH
Don't take this the wrong way... but
there were times when I regretted
not taking your assignment.
BASHIR
Really... ?
ELIZABETH
I read your paper on the immuno-
therapy project you've been doing on
Bajor. It was brilliant.
BASHIR
Thank you...
ELIZABETH
I really envy the opportunity you
have to work on that kind of long-
term project. On the Lexington, it
was collect your samples and then on
to the next system.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 53.
45 CONTINUED: (4)
BASHIR
I suppose I am lucky at that...
ELIZABETH
So what's happening on Bajor? Were
you able to get the T-cell anomalies
under control...
BASHIR
If you're really interested, why
don't we go to the Infirmary and I
can show you my latest results?
ELIZABETH
I'd love to...
As they move away to EXIT the bar, we DROP OFF on Quark,
who's eyes go wide with hope... he rushes over to Morn, who's
sitting at the bar.
QUARK
Morn...
He gestures toward Bashir and Elizabeth, who are now EXITING
to the Promenade...
QUARK
About that bet. I believe the odds
were three to one.
Off Morn's disappointed face...
46 EXT. SPACE - BAJORAN SHIP (OPTICAL)
as it limps along with its remaining sails...
47 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
where Sisko is working the com unit, sending out another
distress call. Jake sees that he seems worried, and it
worries him, too.
JAKE
So, dad... we're not going to run
out of air or anything, are we?
SISKO
Don't worry. Someone'll find us
before that happens.
Sisko decides to make conversation to try and take Jake's
mind off their situation.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 54.
47 CONTINUED:
SISKO
Why don't you tell me about this
woman you want me to meet?
JAKE
Well, she's a freighter captain.
SISKO
(not sure if he likes
this)
A freighter captain?
JAKE
Dad, trust me... you'll like her.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 54A.
47 CONTINUED: (2)
A quiet moment... then...
SISKO
All right, I'll meet her... on one
condition...
JAKE
What?
SISKO
(lightly)
That you won't base your decision
about going to Pennington on how our
date turns out...
JAKE
(smiles)
Don't worry... I won't. I've already
decided to wait at least a year.
SISKO
How come?
JAKE
I've heard that you can only write
about what you've experienced... and
you've got to admit, Deep Space Nine
is a pretty good place to get
experience.
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 55.
47 CONTINUED: (3)
Suddenly Jake reacts with concern to something he sees
out the window over Sisko's shoulder...
JAKE
Dad...
Sisko sees the look on his face and turns toward the window...
48 NEW ANGLE (OPTICAL)
as they look out the window and see THREE CARDASSIAN WARSHIPS
moving toward them...
SISKO
(grim)
We've got company...
JAKE
What do you think they want... ?
49 RESUME SCENE (OPTICAL)
Suddenly the com unit beeps.
SISKO
Looks like we're about to find out...
Sisko moves to it, activates the monitor... Dukat's face
appears on the screen...
SISKO
What can I do for you, Dukat?
Dukat seems put upon, annoyed...
DUKAT
Let me be the first to congratulate
you, Commander...
SISKO
Congratulate me?
DUKAT
For managing to get all the way
here...
SISKO
All the way where?
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/02/95 - ACT FIVE 55A.
49 CONTINUED:
DUKAT
Don't you know? You've just entered
the Cardassian system...
Sisko and Jake exchange an astonished look.
JAKE
The tachyon eddy... it must've taken
us past the Denorias Belt and brought
us here...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/13/95 - ACT FIVE 56.
49 CONTINUED: (2)
SISKO
The same thing must've happened to
the ancient Bajorans...
They spontaneously move to grab hold of each other...
JAKE
We did it... we proved the trip was
possible...
There's a moment as they both contemplate the wonder of what's
happened... then...
DUKAT
I hate to interrupt your celebration,
but I've been asked to convey a
message from the Cardassian
Government...
He picks up a PADD, reads hastily, as if he can't wait to
get through it.
DUKAT
"Your voyage is a testament to the
spirit of the ancient Bajorans who
first ventured out into space... it
could not be more appropriate that
your arrival coincides with the
discovery here on Cardassia of an
ancient crash site... "
Dukat clears his throat as if to distract attention from the
unlikely scenario he's been asked to portray...
DUKAT
"A site that our archaeologists believe
contains the remnants of one of the
Bajoran vessels whose journey you
have just recreated... "
SISKO
(wry)
What an amazing coincidence...
DUKAT
(even)
Yes...
Dukat turns and gives a curt nod to someone off screen...
suddenly a BURST of colored LIGHT shines onto Jake and Sisko
through the window...
DEEP SPACE: "Explorers" - REV. 03/01/95 - ACT FIVE 57.
49 CONTINUED: (3)
DUKAT
(a forced smile)
Welcome...
They move to the window and smile at what they see...
50 EXT. SPACE (OPTICAL)
The Cardassian ships are firing photon torpedoes that explode
into FIREWORKS like starbursts... welcoming the voyagers
with a festive display of light...
51 INT. BAJORAN SHIP
Jake and Sisko standing at the window looking out at the
fireworks... the light from the explosions playing on their
beaming features... and as the music swells with a Reprise
of Jerusalem, we...
FADE OUT.
END OF ACT FIVE
THE END
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